The United States has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of AIM-120C Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) to Pakistan. The deal signals a possible revival of U.S.-Pakistan defense cooperation and opens the door for broader upgrades to the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) F-16 fleet. The announcement comes amid shifting regional dynamics and reflects Washington’s cautious recalibration of military ties with Islamabad.
Details of the Proposed AMRAAM Package
On October 4, 2025, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of a possible sale of AIM-120C-8 AMRAAMs and associated equipment to Pakistan. The estimated value of the package is $258 million and includes:
- 100 AIM-120C-8 missiles
- Four spare missile guidance sections
- Missile containers and support equipment
- Classified software and test equipment
- Technical documentation and training support
The prime contractor will be Raytheon Missiles & Defense. According to DSCA documentation, the proposed sale aims to sustain Pakistan’s air-to-air combat capability and ensure interoperability with U.S. systems.
AIM-120C-8: Capabilities and Relevance for PAF
The AIM-120C-8 is one of the latest variants in the AMRAAM family, offering significant enhancements over earlier models such as the C-5 or C-7 previously operated by PAF. Key features include:
- Extended range—estimated at over 160 km in optimal conditions
- Improved kinematics via upgraded rocket motor and guidance algorithms
- Enhanced electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM)
- Compatibility with Link 16 data link for mid-course updates (if supported by platform)
This missile variant aligns closely with those used by NATO allies and regional air forces such as Taiwan and South Korea. Its integration would significantly boost PAF’s beyond visual range (BVR) engagement envelope—especially relevant given India’s deployment of Meteor-equipped Rafales.
Status of Pakistan’s F-16 Fleet and Upgrade Trajectory
The PAF currently operates approximately 75 F-16s across various blocks:
- 12 Block 15 A/B models upgraded via MLU (Mid-Life Update)
- 18 Block 52+ aircraft delivered post-2006 under Peace Drive I/II programs
- Upgraded Block 15s equipped with AN/APG-68(V)9 radar systems compatible with AMRAAMs
The last major upgrade effort occurred in the mid-to-late 2010s when Lockheed Martin provided sustainment packages including avionics modernization under U.S.-funded programs. However, following political tensions—including accusations regarding safe havens for militants—the Trump administration froze most security assistance in early 2018.
This new missile package could mark a shift toward re-engagement on sustainment pathways for high-end platforms like the F‑16. Notably absent from this deal are structural upgrades or radar enhancements—suggesting this is an initial step rather than a full-spectrum modernization push.
Strategic Implications in South Asia’s Airpower Balance
The approval comes amid growing concern over regional airpower asymmetries. India continues its procurement of advanced platforms such as Rafale fighters armed with MBDA Meteor BVR missiles (~150–200 km range), Su‑30MKIs equipped with R‑77 variants (~80–110 km), and indigenous Astra Mk1/2 BVRAAMs.
By contrast, PAF’s BVR inventory has relied on older AIM‑120C‑5/7 stocks or Chinese PL‑12/15 missiles integrated on JF‑17 Thunder aircraft—platforms that do not match F‑16 performance metrics in all regimes.
If delivered without restrictions or downgrades—as sometimes imposed on export variants—the C‑8 variant would restore some parity in BVR capabilities between Pakistani F‑16s and Indian frontline fighters.
Caution from Washington: Political Context Still Matters
The Biden administration’s decision appears calibrated—it supports counterterrorism cooperation while avoiding escalation risks vis-à-vis India. The DSCA emphasized that “this proposed sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region.” Yet it clearly reflects a willingness to maintain operational readiness within trusted legacy platforms like the F‑16.
This follows a similar pattern seen in September 2022 when Washington approved a $450 million sustainment package for Pakistan’s existing F‑16 fleet—focused on logistics support rather than new capabilities. That deal faced bipartisan scrutiny in Congress but ultimately proceeded without major opposition.
No Green Light Yet: Congressional Review Pending
The DSCA notification initiates a mandatory review period during which Congress may raise objections or block funding mechanisms tied to Foreign Military Financing (FMF). While no major resistance has emerged so far, lawmakers have previously linked military aid to broader concerns about human rights or strategic alignment vis-à-vis China.
If cleared without amendments or delays—and if funded via Pakistani national resources rather than FMF—it would represent Islamabad’s largest high-end munitions acquisition from Washington since at least 2016.
Conclusion: A Tactical Reset Rather Than Strategic Shift?
This proposed AMRAAM sale is unlikely to signal full normalization of U.S.-Pakistan defense ties but does suggest selective re-engagement around legacy systems like the F‑16. For Islamabad, it offers an opportunity to extend relevance of its premier fighter platform amid evolving threats from both conventional rivals and non-state actors.
The real test will lie not only in delivery timelines but also whether follow-on packages—such as radar upgrades or datalink enhancements—materialize down the line. Until then, this remains an incremental yet meaningful development within South Asia’s contested airpower landscape.
